I missed the legislature approving this in the regular session, but according to the Department of Public Safety, that "move over" law has now been expanded to include another class of vehicle. From the DPS News Release:
The newly enhanced law adds wreckers to emergency response vehicles for which motorists must move over one lane. When moving over is unsafe or not possible, such as on two-lane roadways, the law requires motorists to slow at least 15 mph below the posted speed limit. Motorists must slow down to 10 mph when the posted limit is 20 mph or less.I'm all for making the highways safer, but one question: why not just say any vehicle on the side of the road and protect everyone (like the poor driver who has a flat or mechanical trouble)?
Tennessee did an excellent job of advertising/promoting their new "move over" law.
ReplyDeleteAlabama, which passed it's law very shortly thereafter did a miserable job publicizing it.
For those whom drive in & through our northern neighboring state, they'll notice a definite difference in driver behavior toward vehicles on the roadside.
In Alabama, it's almost business as usual, save perhaps, for the Commercially Licensed drivers whom know better... because they drive across numerous states which have had such laws for quite some time.
Oh... I'll tell ya' one thing! In Kentucky, their State Troopers don't mess around! They're like flies on... They're sneaky (in a good & legal way)!
For example, their unmarked cars are not distinguishable from others. In AL, "unmarked" cars stick out like a sore thumb. I recollect seeing one KY state trooper - it was a female officer driving. She had a few articles of hanging clothing on the driver side rear, just enough to obliterate the view from the rear to front where it would be easy to see the camera mounted on the rear deck. Smart! Very smart!
Perhaps AL's legislators are hoping that the "message will get through" (thick skulls).
Yeah... great job.
Press release.
How many folks actually read 'em?
"Hon, did you read the AL DPS press release today?"
"Yes, I did! It was captivating reading! The writer should be nominated for a Peabody!"
< / sarcasm>
About those "few articles of clothing" . . .
ReplyDeleteUm . . . er . . . ahem . . . (blushing) I think you know the question I'm trying to ask.
:-)